Advanced Sun Protection Daily Moisturizer
Ingredients
Aqua (Solvent), Dibutyl Adipate (Skin Conditioning Agent), Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (Sunscreen Agent), Propylheptyl Caprylate (Skin Conditioning Agent), Dicaprylyl Carbonate (Emolient), Ethylhexyl Salicylate (Sunscreen Agent), Ethylhexyl Triazone (Sunscreen Agent), Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol (nano) (Sunscreen Agent), Undecane (Skin Conditioning Agent), Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine (Sunscreen Agent), Glycerin (Skin Protectant), Isononyl Isononanoate (Emolient), Propanediol (Solvent), Tridecane (Skin Conditioning Agent), Potassium Cetyl Phosphate (Emulsifier), Saccharomyces Ferment (Skin Conditioning Agent), Sodium Polyacrylate (Emulsion Stabilizer), Decyl Glucoside (Cleansing Agent), Caprylyl Glyceryl Ether (Surfactant), Sodium Phytate (Chelating Agent), Caprylhydroxyamic Acid (Chelating Agent), Lauroyl Lysine (Skin Conditioning Agent), Propylenen Glycol (Humectant), Xanthan Gum (Miscellaneous skin conditioning agent), Tocopherol (Antioxidant), Naringenin (Skin Conditoning Agent), Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil (Solvent).
This is a moisturizing sunscreen that delivers on protection and hydration. The UV filters are excellent: modern, broad-spectrum, photostable filters like Uvinul A Plus, Tinosorb S, Ethylhexyl Triazone, and MBBT. On paper, it’s a great formula.
It’s also got glycerin, sunflower oil, propanediol, and even a bit of Saccharomyces ferment, which all help with hydration and skin feel. Tocopherol (vitamin E) and naringenin bring antioxidant support. So yes, it’s doing a lot of good in theory.
But the finish absolutely kills it. It’s greasy, shiny, and hard to spread, with a thick, almost draggy texture that feels like it belongs to a bygone era of sunscreen formulation. That high-shine, borderline sweaty look? Immediate. Even before you step outside. And it doesn’t settle — it just lingers there, making your face look like it’s auditioning to fry an egg.
From Paula’s Choice, this is easily my least favorite SPF — and the only one I wouldn’t consider repurchasing. Which is a shame, because the filters are solid and the ingredient list has promise. That's the only reason it doesn't get a worse rating from me: I can see someone (probably with extremely dry skin) being comfortable with the finish, and in that case, this would be a great option.
But for me, it just doesn't wear well — and sunscreen you don't want to apply is sunscreen you won’t.